Forget the neck screws and bear with me for a second. It’s actually a simple concept: take a bunch of old, formerly obsolete stuff, create a new entity out of it. Sure, Mary Shelley applied all of that to humans and made one big gruesome albeit fascinating hoopla out of it. But if you can look past the cheesy Halloween costumes, you’ll see that it’s a process crucial to a fashion industry in which far too much is wasted. Why condemn our fabric scraps to landfills when we can give them new life?

If you’re still skeptical, take a look at Melbourne-based brand Ivy and Toot. Designer and denim mastermind Ivy takes recycled vintage jeans and patches them together quilt-style to make one-of-a-kind pieces. The result? Basics sprinkled with just the right amount of tomboy edge. Haven’t you always wanted a denim shirt that’s not a chambray and makes you look like a stylish manifestation of Piet Mondrian’s work?

Yes. The answer is yes.

Here’s how you’re going to make this work. Peruse the Ivy and Toot Etsy shop and choose your weapon. Each piece is handmade by Ivy herself, alongside her adorable canine friend Toot. You’re also probably going to want to follow Ivy on Instagram .

TheGarbageLady

Garbage Lady, I am all onboard with re-fashioning! Not buying anything new has forced me to think more about how I can make new things out of old and have been amazed at what I’ve found thrifting! Keep up the good work 🙂

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Meet The Garbage Lady

Jennie Thwaites is a writer, musician, stylist, amateur seamstress, expert kale salad maker and vintage enthusiast. Ethical style at any price point is the name of her game. Welcome to The Garbage Pile.